SINGLE REVIEW: Painted as Monsters - The Signal of / Sevastapol
South Wales trio Painted as Monsters have been steadily building and audience through the last few years. Building on the success of previous bands, PAM have gigged hard, made the latter stages of the South Wales M2TM competitions, and generally mesmerised with the expansive and fluid style. Dripping in influences that surely include Muse, Tool, Godsticks, Rush, and shoegaze, their progressive signwriting makes it a cerebral joy to experience. Rhys Evans has a voice ideal for this melancholic, dreamy style, whilst his guitar work is super relaxed. On this EP Evans is backed by bassist Chris Machin who has now departed, and drummer Matt Jones. First up is the sprawling expanse of The Signal of …, and it’s a real technical piece that requires multiple plays to appreciate. Once you get stuck into it, it’s an addictive earworm that demonstrates the fluidity of the musicianship on display. One can’t help but admire the mid-section guitar work, and the power that this trio generate. Full o...